In the evening, I dined at Õnalos Seafood Restaurant, where fried calamari, grouper fish, and almond cake came highly recommended and each one proved worth it. I could hear the faint hum of conversation around me, yet something was grounding about simply being on my own. Nightcaps at Eéxis Bar sealed my evenings. In collaboration with Line Athens, ranked No. 6 on the ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’, the bar offered a unique cocktail program combining herbs from the JW Garden with local Cretan flavours.

On Sunday, I surrendered to the ANOSEAS Spa, where a 60-minute massage felt like hours in the calm, hushed stillness of the space. It was indulgent, yes, but also restorative. I ended my day at the resort’s Italian restaurant, Cuccagna, where oven-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and comforting Italian dishes made for a satisfying close to a day spent enjoying my own company.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa

On my final day, I headed to Chania city, a 30-minute drive away from the hotel. Walking around the Venetian Harbour, I was immediately struck by its layers of history, colourful buildings leaning into narrow cobblestone streets, seagulls wheeling overhead, and fishermen mending nets along the quay. Cafés spilt into the squares, small shops brimmed with local crafts, and staff stood outside restaurants, inviting tourists in with menus and warm gestures. I wandered through alleys at my own pace, ducking into shops selling ceramics, olive oil, and handwoven textiles. The comfortable balance between tourists and the everyday hustle and bustle was part of life here.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa